The Woodlands freshman outfielder Skylar Stockton gets ready to go to work against Bellaire during their matchup at The Woodlands Varsity Round Robin Invitational at TWHS on Saturday. (Photo by Jerry Baker/Freelance) less

The Woodlands freshman outfielder Skylar Stockton gets ready to go to work against Bellaire during their matchup at The Woodlands Varsity Round Robin Invitational at TWHS on Saturday. (Photo by Jerry ... more

Photo: Jerry Baker, Freelance

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Dragons out to climb SPC ranks

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With five seniors leading the way, the John Cooper School softball team is looking to improve this season.

The Dragons went 9-11 overall last year, and 1-5 in SPC play.

"Our goal is to take care of the little things, which will then take care of the big things," coach Nicole Hedden said in a release.

"The girls want to compete and have fun this season."

Winning's more fun than losing, and the Dragons expect to win more with the senior trio of Katherine Donovan, Kathryn Early and Taylor Sloop supplying them with a wealth of experience.

All three have been in the program since the seventh grade.

Cooper also will lean on seniors Ashlyn Kersey, an outfielder in her second year with the team, and Kara Jones, who won't play due to medical issues but will provide motivation from the dugout.

"Matt is very knowledgeable of the game," Hedden said. "He will not only take our pitchers and catchers to the next level, he will also help with all other aspects of the game. We are really thrilled to see how much the girls will improve, thanks to Matt's expertise."

Cooper's 2015 highlights include a first-place finish at its home tournament and third-place showing at the Cy-Fair tourney.

It was the fifth seed in the SPC South Zone.

Sloop was an All-SPC and All-South Zone selection last season, and Donovan was honorable mention All-South Zone.